Nearly one-third of Europeans struggle with sleep problems, but a latest study from the University of Salzburg suggests a readily accessible solution may be on the horizon: a smartphone app designed to improve sleep quality. Initial findings indicate that the app, which delivers relaxation exercises, cognitive training, and educational content about sleep, can be as effective as traditional group therapy for insomnia.
Researchers at the University of Salzburg’s Department of Psychology have been investigating the best ways to support individuals with sleep difficulties for almost a year. The study, involving 65 participants, compared the effectiveness of conventional group therapy led by sleep therapists with a self-guided approach using the specially developed smartphone application. The results, released on February 16, 2026, offer a hopeful outlook for those seeking accessible and affordable sleep solutions.
According to Schlaflaborleiter Manuel Schabus, the study demonstrates a significant reduction in insomnia symptoms – nearly a third – among participants using the app. “We are seeing that insomnia symptoms decrease by almost a third. Subjective sleep quality increases, wakefulness is reduced by 21 minutes, and even REM sleep, which is important for emotional processing and memory, increases,” Schabus explained, as reported by salzburg.orf.at. The app’s effectiveness is rooted in its ability to precisely measure sleep quality, utilizing both traditional electrodes and a connected pulse armband.
The app, developed in collaboration between the University of Salzburg and a start-up company, employs an algorithm that detects subtle changes in heart rate during different sleep phases, providing “very valid data about sleep quality,” according to Schlafforscherin Alexandra Hinterberger. This technology allows for personalized insights and tailored recommendations for improving sleep hygiene.
Next Phase: Determining Individual Suitability
While the initial results are encouraging, researchers emphasize that the study is ongoing. The current phase focuses on determining whether app-based therapy or traditional group therapy is more effective for specific individuals. “We currently see that if I do something active, whether it’s psychotherapeutic intervention or a digital app, everything practically helps. The question is, does it assist different people to different degrees? That will only be answered in the second part of the study,” Schabus stated. The second phase of the research is scheduled to begin in March and is seeking approximately 65 additional volunteers with sleep problems from the greater Salzburg area. Interested individuals can register via email at [email protected].
Potential for Public Healthcare Coverage
The research isn’t just aimed at improving treatment options; it also seeks to gather data that could pave the way for public healthcare coverage of the app in Austria. Currently, digital sleep therapy is already covered by Techniker-Krankenkasse in Germany, and discussions are underway in Austria with the Sozialversicherung der Selbstständigen (Social Insurance for the Self-Employed) to explore similar possibilities. This potential shift could significantly increase access to effective sleep interventions for a wider population.
The growing recognition of digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is supported by broader research. A 2024 study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that smartphone application-delivered CBT-I, even with telephone support, can be effective for insomnia disorder, though the study emphasized the importance of rigorous screening for the condition. Read the full study here. The treatment content is structured as a self-help format, providing participants with the information needed to implement cognitive and behavioral techniques independently.
The increasing prevalence of sleep apps and the high utilization of health apps underscore the need for clinicians to be equipped with research specific to these tools, as highlighted in a recent article published in Springer.
As research continues, the prospect of accessible, app-based sleep therapy offers a promising avenue for addressing the widespread issue of insomnia and improving the sleep health of individuals across Austria and beyond. The next phase of the Salzburg study will be crucial in determining the optimal approach for different patient profiles and solidifying the case for wider healthcare integration.
What are your thoughts on using technology to improve sleep? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about sleep and related research. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
